She was sitting with her head immersed in a book. Her parents were in the kitchen cooking up a storm as usual – sometimes she wondered whether everybody’s parents practically lived in the kitchen. Her kid brother was playing with his cars when her elder sister called her to one side and whispered to her “Take this. Tell Acha (father) and Amma” that you drew it. The little girl looked up in great confusion. “But I didn’t draw it!” Her sister’s brows beetled together and she got mad at her “Just do it .We can always tell them it’s a joke – we’ll have a good laugh.” The small fair girl with the soulful eyes was upset but she was too scared of her sister to decline. She never lied. Her parents would surely be upset with her but maybe Echi (elder sister) would tell them it was a joke.

Her sister pushed her till the kitchen and gave her a mild shove to get her to enter. Acha was frying something and Amma was doing the dishes. “What is it?” barked Acha in his loud voice. Amma turned and smiled at them. She said amid blushes “I drew this – take a look”. They both looked at the picture and praised her lavishly – how could such a small girl have drawn so well? She squirmed uncomfortably close to tears. It was then that the elder girl walked in triumphantly and said “She didn’t do it. I did! She lies like I told you!” The little girl was heartbroken – her parents yelled at her not seeing the reason for her behavior – they did not appreciate being lied to and her sister was smirking and enjoying the fun.

Later the girl sat and slowly rocked herself. The tears were flowing from her eyes. How her sister must hate her to do this! But she loved her sister so much. She looked up to her. Why was she hurting her? Her parents called her their “no-problem” child. She had no tantrums, was a consistent class topper and was very well behaved. Her sister was another matter. She was at best an average student and had frequent fights with her parents and was also five years older. Echi must love her – she always shared her chocolates with the two younger ones. She was protective in school. Then why was she so mean to her sometimes? It didn’t make any sense to the little girl and she sat with her knees drawn up to her chin hiding in her corner fighting the tears for a long time. Just like all the other times, the parents never knew.